Umpqua River Light facts for kids
 |
|
| Umpqua River Light | |
 Umpqua River Light
Location in Oregon
Umpqua River Light
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Winchester Bay |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 43°39′44″N 124°11′55″W / 43.662291°N 124.198476°W |
| Year first lit | 1894 |
| Automated | 1966 |
| Foundation | Natural/emplaced/masonry |
| Construction | Brick/stuccoed |
| Tower shape | Conical attached to workroom |
| Height | 61 feet (19 m) |
| Original lens | First order Fresnel |
| Range | 21 nautical miles (39 km; 24 mi) |
| Characteristic | Group Flash White, Alternate Red Flash, 15 sec. 2 W., 1 R Flashes |
The Umpqua River Light is a famous lighthouse on the Oregon Coast in the United States. It stands tall at the mouth of the Umpqua River, near Winchester Bay in Douglas County, Oregon. Lighthouses are like giant beacons. They help ships find their way safely to shore or through tricky waters, especially at night or in bad weather. This special lighthouse has been guiding ships for a very long time.
Contents
History of the Umpqua River Light
The First Lighthouse
The very first Umpqua River Light was built in 1855. It started shining its light in 1857. This lighthouse was located right by the river channel. Unfortunately, it was built too close to the water. Because of this, it was often damaged by floods that happened every year. The strong river currents slowly washed away the sand supporting its base.
By October 1863, the lighthouse's foundation was too weak. The entire structure soon fell apart. Even before it collapsed, the "Light House Board" (a group in charge of lighthouses back then) knew they needed to build a new one. However, it took a long time for the government to approve the money. It wasn't until 1888 that Congress said "yes" to building a new lighthouse.
Building the New Lighthouse
Construction on the new Umpqua River Light began in 1892. It finally lit up for the first time in 1894. This new lighthouse was built at the same time as the Heceta Head Light. In fact, they were built using the exact same plans! This means they look almost identical.
The new lighthouse was much better than the old one. It was built about 100 feet (30 meters) above the river. This kept it safe from any flooding. The Light House Board wanted ships to be able to see the lighthouse from far out at sea. The old lighthouse could only be seen by ships very close to the river. The new one helped ships find their way from much farther away.
How the Light Works
The new lighthouse used a special clockwork machine to spin its large Fresnel lens. A Fresnel lens is a type of lens that helps make the light beam very bright and focused. This clockwork system worked for 89 years before it finally broke down. In 1966, the lighthouse became "automated." This means it no longer needed people to operate it all the time. Machines took over the work.
When the old spinning mechanism broke, the United States Coast Guard (who now manages lighthouses) wanted to replace it with a new, modern one. But people who loved the lighthouse strongly disagreed! They wanted the original mechanism back. Because of their protests, the Coast Guard changed their plans. In 1985, the old, restored mechanism was put back in place, and it still works today!
A Historic Landmark
The Umpqua River Light is considered a very important building. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. This means it's recognized as a special place in American history.
Visiting the Lighthouse
You can visit the Umpqua River Lighthouse and the Coastal History Museum. They are open from May through September. The museum is located in an old U.S. Coast Guard station. It has cool exhibits about the lighthouse, the history of the area, and the Coast Guard's role on the Umpqua River. It's a great place to learn about the past!
-
Lightkeepers Telescope
-
Lighthouse Stairwell
Images for kids
-
Inside the top of the lighthouse
